"Mist"-ic Mountains

I've just returned from a very relaxing, enjoyable Labor Day weekend. Though rising gas prices reduced turnout this year at the family reunion, there was no decrease in the fun we all enjoyed together.

One of the highlights of this year's gathering was an International Luncheon that took place on Saturday. It was a complete, ethnic extravaganza with foods representing cultures all over the world. This event was meant to honor the idea that America is one nation originating from many others: "E Pluribus Unum". Top prize went to Aunt Cathy for her Mexican dishes of Enchiladas, Quesadillas and Mexican Wedding Cookies. Aunt Carol, representing Italy, was runner up with her stunning, home-made Lasagna. In third place was Aunt Lorraine representing Germany with a delicious meatloaf. It was really hard to make a decision on which dish was best because there were so many tasty options. Other dishes were there representing countries such as France, Israel, and Papua New Guinea to name a few.

We burned off some of our calories early by launching into a very competitive but friendly game of volleyball. The action was hot and heavy with the winning team usually prevailing by the barest of margins. A fireworks celebration ended the evening with burst of light above the dark, rolling, hills. In the distance, on the horizon, another fireworks display echoed ours. Then all was quiet as we sat around the fire watching the flames lick skyward. The night air fell cold and we were forced into jackets and under blankets for warmth. The family circle crept closer to the fire as the chill deepened. The blackened sky above glistened with billions of stars; sparkling diamonds in a endless sea of velvet. The vastness of the Milky Way could be seen directly above our encampment like a overarching canopy. It was the perfect merging of the elements: earth, air and fire.

What a wonderful time!